Tag Archives: seasonal cheese

Looking for a cheese that will satisfy both casual curd consumers and true turophiles? Cypress Grove Fog Lights shines a clear path to any cheeseboard.

Like its more famous brother, Humboldt Fog, Fog Lights uses a layer of carbonized vegetable ash on the rind, giving the small wheel a cake-like appearance. Beneath the surface is where this cheese takes on a life of its own. As it reaches room temperature, the outer paste becomes soft and runny while the center remains light and pillowy in texture.

The goaty flavors are light yet complex on the tongue. From the rind’s earthy mushroom overtones to the bright, grassy taste of the gooey first layer and finally the zesty, lemon tang of the middle, Fog Lights really delivers. Not too assertive for the more timid taster, yet shows great character for the more bold bite. Easily the black dress of cheeses for any occasion.

Pair with seasonal apples, a sliced baguette, and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Since I am not a chef (or even decent cook, for that matter) my contribution to the holiday festivities is that I always bring the cheese board. While this may seem like a cop-out of a task, it’s not easy finding complimentary cheeses that will please all palates. Milk types, pate color and flavor intensity all come into play when making selections.

This Independence Day, I went with a fully represented board of the four top milk choices: cow, sheep, goat, and even buffalo. While all the selections were hits, the goat’s milk La Clochette was the clear winner of the bunch. Continue reading →

The House Mouse

I was such a picky eater as a kid, my mother called me her House Mouse because cheese was the only thing she knew she could get me to eat without my throwing a argument. Although I have since broadened my palate (finally eating my first strawberry at the ripe old age of 32) I still delight in the discovery of fantastic, funky and flavorful fromage. Stay Cheesy!